Security clearance

Do many jobs in the private sector require security clearance?

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From my knowledge most jobs that would require security clearance are federal government positions. I believe a company like Lockheed Martin would require security clearance. So I guess it depends on which company it is and if they are affiliated with a government agency or the nature of their business.

denis92

For IT of course

NOC-Ninja

A lot such as booz allen, northrop grumman, lockheed, boeing, saic, and etc.
They are actually having a hard time filling out this position when it needs secret or top secret clearance.
Also, they pay top $ if you are technical with clearance.

denis92

NOC-Ninja wrote: »

A lot such as booz allen, northrop grumman, lockheed, boeing, saic, and etc.
They are actually having a hard time filling out this position when it needs secret or top secret clearance.
Also, they pay top $ if you are technical with clearance.

I was actually hoping to hear the opposite, I probably wouldn't be able to get security clearance. I searched indeed for IT jobs with security clearance and not many were listed. So I am assuming most IT jobs don't require security clearance although there are definitely some that do.

EANx

Most do not. Those that do have some role with the government. There can be companies that do something equivalent to the extensive background checks performed for a clearance but only government jobs and contractors supporting them require them.

TechGuru80

Every company needs IT...it gives you options if you can qualify but there are many companies that don’t require one.

Not all companies work on federal or classified contracts, and outside of contractor companies such as Lockheed, Boeing, etc...most jobs won’t require one.

TechGromit

Outside the goverment, the closest thing I think would be unescorted access at a nuclear power plant with critial group access. (allows you to touch plant systems) It requires a background check, psych evaluation, drug test and random drug testing. (after)

higherho

No private sector jobs require a security clearance. Public sector jobs do which includes public sector contractors. Even though the contractors company is private sector, they are providing a service to the public sector.

background checks to clear you for work isn't the same as a security clearance.

LordQarlyn

It's you're talking about straight private sector, commercial and business sectors, then no, in fact, they wouldn't even be able to sponsor people for security clearances. Unless the position is government or contracted to the government, clearances aren't required.

That said, some private sector jobs will do background checks that are pretty extensive, and state & municipal governments can get quite intrusive. I once saw a job posting for a system admin in a police precinct that in the online application, it asked over 30 questions alone if you ever committed a particular crime, whether or not you were even caught or not. Further, it stated all shortlisted applicants will undergo a very extensive polygraph exam. Needless to say, I didn't apply to that one.

Cisco Inferno

Its usually government jobs and defense contactors.

For the most part, they want to know if you have interests with a foreign state, if you have any crazy political ideologies, etc. To prevent harm to our own govt.

Other things like if you had a $5 pot bust when you were 16, are usually determined by the company and such. In the above post, it makes sense because its a PD. But most places wont care if youre honest. As long as youre not a felon, or beat your wifes/lock your kid in a dungeon.